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Chicago's Timeless Taprooms: The 7 Oldest Bars That Survived Prohibition And The Great Fire

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Step inside a piece of living history when you order a drink at one of Chicago’s oldest bars. As of the current date, December 25, 2025, the title of the oldest continuously operating tavern in the city belongs to a storied Old Town establishment, though its claim to fame is often debated by enthusiasts of historic Chicago taverns.

The city's drinking establishments have endured the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the dry years of Prohibition, and countless economic shifts, making each surviving bar a true monument to Chicago's resilience. Forget the fleeting trends of modern Chicago cocktail bars; these institutions offer a direct link to the city's gangster past, jazz legends, and everyday working-class history.

The Definitive List: Chicago's Most Historic and Oldest Bars

The designation of "oldest" is tricky, often depending on whether the bar has been continuously operating, if the building itself is the oldest, or if it survived Prohibition by operating as a speakeasy. Here is the definitive list of the most venerable drinking spots in the city.

1. Marge’s Still (Est. 1885) — The Current Title Holder

Following the closure of Schaller's Pump in 2017, Marge's Still officially inherited the coveted title of Chicago's oldest continuously running tavern. This Old Town institution has been serving patrons for over 140 years, though it began life under a different name and guise.

  • Original Name: Victor Caruso's Soft Drinks
  • Year Established: 1885
  • Historical Fact: During Prohibition, Marge's operated as a speakeasy, cleverly hidden in plain sight.
  • Pioneering Owner: In 1957, Marge Landeck took ownership, becoming the first woman in Chicago to obtain a liquor license.
  • Location: Old Town neighborhood.

2. The Berghoff (Est. 1898) — The Loop's German-American Icon

Located in the heart of the Loop, The Berghoff is not just a bar; it's a Chicago landmark, known for its German-American cuisine and historical significance. It began as a bar serving Berghoff's own craft beer and root beer, predating the modern craft movement by over a century.

  • Year Established: 1898
  • Prohibition Strategy: During the dry years, The Berghoff famously survived by selling its popular root beer.
  • Modern Update: The original bar space was reopened in 2006 under the name "17-West at The Berghoff."
  • Entity Detail: The bar holds Chicago's first-ever liquor license after the repeal of Prohibition.

3. The Green Mill (Est. 1907) — The Classic Jazz Club

While not the oldest bar, The Green Mill stands as one of America's oldest jazz clubs and a quintessential historic Chicago tavern. Its history is inextricably linked to the city's most infamous gangster, Al Capone, and the turbulent Prohibition era.

  • Year Established: 1907
  • Mob Connection: The club was run by Al Capone associate "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn, who ensured the illegal alcohol kept flowing.
  • Famous Feature: Patrons can still see the booth where Capone would sit, strategically placed to view both the main entrance and the back door for a quick escape.
  • Hidden History: The venue features hidden tunnels and trapdoors used for smuggling liquor and moving people discreetly.

The Oldest Building and The Former Title Holder

Understanding Chicago's bar history requires looking beyond the "continuously running" title to include the oldest structures and those that only recently ceded the crown. These establishments add crucial layers to the city's drinking culture narrative.

Green Door Tavern (Building 1872, Tavern 1921)

The Green Door Tavern holds a unique and impressive record: it is housed in Chicago's oldest wooden commercial structure, built just one year after the devastating Great Chicago Fire. Its wooden frame is a rare survivor of the conflagration.

The tavern itself opened its doors in 1921, right in the thick of Prohibition, and operated as a speakeasy in its basement. The tilted nature of the building adds to its historic charm, making a visit feel like stepping back into a shady, post-fire, pre-repeal Chicago.

Schaller's Pump (Est. 1881) — The Former Oldest

For decades, Schaller's Pump in the Bridgeport area was widely recognized as Chicago's oldest bar. Established in 1881, it was a legendary watering hole for politicians, stockyard workers, and local residents. Its closure in 2017 is the reason Marge's Still now holds the top spot, a significant event in the city's bar history that shifted the title.

Historic Taverns Famous for Food and Celebrity

Beyond the oldest, Chicago boasts several other historic taverns that have become iconic for their atmosphere, cuisine, and famous clientele. These spots are essential entities in the city's cultural landscape.

Twin Anchors Restaurant and Tavern (Est. 1932)

While opening immediately after Prohibition's repeal, Twin Anchors is located in an historic Old Town building dating back to 1881, giving it deep roots in the neighborhood. It is most famous for its legendary baby back ribs.

The bar's claim to fame includes being a favorite haunt of Frank Sinatra, who was a devoted fan of the ribs and the classic, dimly lit atmosphere. It has also served as a filming location for major movies and TV shows, solidifying its place in pop culture history.

Coq d'Or (Est. 1933)

Located within the Drake Hotel, Coq d'Or opened the day after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. It retains a luxurious, Old Chicago atmosphere with its dark wood paneling and classic piano bar setup. It is a prime example of a historic Chicago cocktail bar that catered to the city's elite and continues to do so today.

The Enduring Legacy of Chicago's Oldest Taverns

The surviving oldest bars in Chicago are more than just places to grab a drink; they are time capsules. They represent the grit of the city's early days, the secrecy of the Prohibition-era speakeasy, and the enduring love for neighborhood establishments. From the political dealings in Bridgeport's Schaller's Pump to the jazz legends at The Green Mill in Uptown, each location offers a unique, tangible connection to the past.

Whether you are seeking the ambiance of a mob hangout or simply want to drink in a building older than the cocktail itself, exploring these historic Chicago taverns is a must-do for any visitor or resident. They stand as a testament to the fact that in Chicago, a great bar is built to last.

Chicago's Timeless Taprooms: The 7 Oldest Bars That Survived Prohibition and the Great Fire
oldest bars in chicago
oldest bars in chicago

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